WHAT IS AN INGROWN TOENAIL AND WILL ONE CURE ITSELF?
An ingrown toenail is a common condition in which the sides of a toenail – usually on the big toe – grow downwards into the flesh instead of growing straight out.
It causes the nail to make a sort of upturned 'U' shape on the toe.
The condition can be painful and cause swelling or even infection in the surrounding skin.
Wearing tight or pointed shoes, cutting the toenail in a semi-circular shape, or cutting the sides can be potential causes of ingrown toenails.
To try and treat an ingrown toenail at home before it gets worse you should leave the nail to grow out, wear wide and comfortable shoes, soak the foot in warm water up to four times a day to soften the skin, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if it is particularly painful.
If it does not heal itself a podiatrist may need to cut away parts of the nail or remove the whole nail.
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